well Guitar_guy, i think it really depends what you want. There are pros and cons to both.

Multi effects:

[U]Pros[/U]
Easier to transport
Many effects for less money
Save on batteries/cables

[U]Cons[/U]
Sound of individual effects not as high of quality
Not as user-friendly

Single effects stompbox:

[U]Pros[/U]
Better quality sound
Easy to use when playing live

[U]Cons[/U]
Cost more per effect
More batteries/cables

Those are probably the main issues of the two. It really depends where you are and where you want to go. If you just want something to play around with on your own that makes sounds, go multi. But if you want a certain sound that you think is perfect for the tone your after, or you only want one effect and think you'll never use the other stuff, go for the single effect. Not to mention with single effects you can mix sounds from different brands, maybe you want a RAT distortion and Tubescreamer overdrive, an Electro Harmonix chorus and BOSS delay. In my opinion single pedals are better and more practical (have sounds you will actually use).